Ford Focus 1.8 LX TDdi 5dr

I was a fortunate winner when Top Gear magazine ran a competition in which the prize was to test a Ford Focus at the motor industry test facility at Crowthorne. At this test facility it is possible to conduct a huge range of tests. Road surfaces are deliberately made slippy by use of rounded beads in the surface and water sprayed on top. The result helps a driver assess in a safe environment the road-holding limits of a vehicle. Further tests can be done on braking performance and the effectiveness of ABS systems. In this test a car is accelerated towards and obstruction in the shape of a Y , as the driver approaches it at about 50mph at the last moment he is ...  Read the complete review

~ ~ I might have known I wouldn?t get what I had asked for! What am I talking about? The seeming inability of car hire companies to give you the car you have booked with them. This year it was the turn of Budget Car Hire at Toulouse Airport in southern France. ?Sorry sir. We don?t have a new model Renault Megane available this morning. We?ve given you a Ford Focus diesel instead.? Ah well. You can?t crib really (at least not TOO much) as it does state in the hire contract that they can substitute a car in the same group as you have booked. Thus it was ...  Read the complete review

Having driven various fords over the years(escorts,cortinas,granadas)the focus is a revelation.Great driving position and a willing and responsive engine bring the pleasure back to long distance driving. The tdi does roughly 600 miles to a full tank driving at motorway speeds and probably more if driven at 56 mph.Equipment levels are excellent electric front windows,sunroof,r/cassette and multi play c d changer. Comfort levels are also first rate seating four adults comfortably or five with a bit of a squeeze. Most peoples initial reaction when travelling in the car for the first time is how quiet it is for a diesel and also the high seats give a lot better ...  Read the complete review